:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-insoles-test-spenco-polysorb-cross-trainer-jthompson-1093-1b97013829ab43b593ab5e42d110f5f4.jpeg "The 8 Finest Insoles for Climbing of 2025, Examined")
Insoles may also assist cut back foot ache and promote correct foot alignment—serving to you hike comfortably for longer. When choosing the right insoles for climbing, contemplate your foot form and gait to find out the optimum degree of cushioning and help you want. Hikers with flat ft may have extra arch help, whereas these with situations like plantar fasciitis might want focused cushioning for shock absorption and safety.
To search out the very best insoles for climbing, we consulted with 4 podiatrists to be taught what to search for when purchasing for a high-quality choice. We then examined 42 prime choices at dwelling, carrying them whereas climbing, strolling, and path working on varied terrains. We evaluated every insole for its help, consolation, ache reduction, breathability, and worth to seek out the highest choices in the marketplace.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screenshot2025-09-25at5.59.07PM-e0aee48f732f459ebc5a99ac8a2d6dda.png)
-
Agency, steady arch help
-
Present supportive, cradled, and locked-in really feel
-
Breathable and moisture-wicking
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12, Males’s 3-15 | Supplies: Foam, rubber | Arch Sort: Impartial | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers who want agency, comfy help for lengthy hikes, together with these with gentle to average overpronation or plantar fasciitis.
Why We Love Them
PowerStep’s PULSE Efficiency Insoles made our sneakers considerably extra comfy, and our strolling gait felt smoother and extra environment friendly, making these insoles a straightforward alternative for our greatest total. The agency, steady arch help lowered heel and forefoot stress, stress, and fatigue, permitting us to stroll, run, and hike for longer distances. These insoles considerably lowered our plantar fasciitis ache, and in addition prevented ache and fatigue in our calves, knees, hips, and decrease again.
As quickly as we slipped these insoles into our sneakers (no trimming wanted), we discovered that the arch aligned completely, which made our ft really feel cradled and supported. The safe, locked-in really feel helped us really feel extra steady with every step. We even discovered they helped enhance our mobility by permitting for a extra naturally aligned step. Their breathability and sweat-wicking options are particularly appreciated throughout lengthy walks and hikes in heat climate, preserving our ft cool and dry.
Potential Flaws
- These insoles felt a bit stiff at first and required a brief break-in interval, which is typical for insoles that present corrective arch help or alignment.
Most Precious Perception
“The arch and heel areas of my ft felt noticeably extra comfy than standard when carrying these insoles. The insoles provide focused help to these areas, which helps relieve the strain I generally really feel after an extended stroll, hike, or run, or being on my ft for a very long time.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Spenco-RX-Comfort-Insole-c4f4bc3337324e20816e4d5d8da73626.jpg)
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-12.5, Males’s 6-15.5 | Supplies: Nylon | Arch Sort: Low, impartial | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers who need ample cushioning for long-distance hikes.
Why We Love Them
For mushy insoles that soak up shock effectively, Spenco’s RX Consolation Insoles are our prime choose. Along with their easy and efficient design, their budget-friendly worth level is a superb added bonus. We love that this pair has earned the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. This designation is simply awarded to merchandise which were deemed to advertise good foot well being by a panel of podiatrists—which means you could be assured these insoles are backed by consultants. These insoles immediately helped make our sneakers really feel extra comfy and cushioned with every step. In addition they lowered the prevalence of blisters, permitting us to journey longer distances.
In testing, these insoles lowered the affect on our ft and joints, leading to a lower in our typical shin and knee ache. We beloved how cushioned and comfy they made us really feel, and so they even improved our posture. One among our testers who experiences signs of plantar fasciitis additionally seen a discount in foot and arch ache. We’re additionally followers of the coating and prime material layer, which work collectively to forestall odors and micro organism from increase inside your sneakers as you stroll. And their skinny design permits them to simply slip into most athletic and climbing sneakers.
Potential Flaws
- These insoles, whereas very cushioned, are fairly flat and do not provide a lot arch help.
Most Precious Perception
“These insoles made my sneakers much more comfy. I used to be not anticipating that, as they’re flat and fairly easy, however I felt an enormous distinction.” —Mike N., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/timberland-pro-anti-fatigue-technology-insole-d7bb81a5e47c4d04ba552ad21fe5a68c.jpg)
-
APMA Seal of Acceptance
-
Skinny and versatile design
-
Stable shock absorption
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5-16, Males’s 4-15 | Supplies: Plastic, foam | Arch Sort: All (low, impartial, excessive) | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers who need a light-weight, well-cushioned insole for lengthy hikes that may simply slip into boots.
Why We Love Them
Bored with your heavy climbing boots weighing you down? We advocate including Timberland’s Professional Anti-Fatigue Expertise Insoles to your go-to pair of trainers. Their skinny, light-weight design suits comfortably in climbing boots or bigger athletic sneakers. And, just like Spenco’s RX Consolation Insole, these have additionally earned the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. That includes a hexagon sample on the only, these insoles soak up shock effectively and supply some vitality return to cut back ache and fatigue, permitting us to hike comfortably for longer durations.
Whereas most insoles are designed to be used with varied kinds of sneakers, this pair is particularly made for boots. We like that they are skinny and versatile, which means they will not take up an excessive amount of room, however nonetheless function a supportive heel cup and loads of cushioning. We additionally admire that they are constructed from sturdy supplies for higher sturdiness. We have been impressed by how effectively they helped relieve our foot ache after standing and strolling all day, and we admire the budget-friendly worth level that makes these insoles an incredible worth for the consolation and ache reduction they supply.
Potential Flaws
- The skinny design of those insoles makes them ideally suited for becoming into boots, however they might not present adequate structured help within the arch or heel for some hikers.
Most Precious Perception
“My ft did not really feel ache whereas carrying these, and I normally keep on my ft for hours getting my steps in. I do suppose the principle objective of those insoles is in your ft to really feel much less ache so you’ll be able to stroll for longer durations, and that is precisely what occurred.” —Samantha A., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spenco-polysorb-cross-trainer-insoles-7a2e5f91616c441da5c3a8e22a7f9ca3.jpg)
-
Responsive cushioning
-
Simple to trim
-
Nice shock absorption
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 7-14.5, Males’s 6-13 | Supplies: Polyester, foam | Arch Sort: Impartial | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers with a impartial arch who want added help and stress reduction within the heel and forefoot.
Why We Love Them
If you happen to expertise heel ache whereas climbing, we advocate Spenco’s PolySorb Cross Coach Insoles. We love how responsive these are, with layers of sentimental foam that assist propel us ahead with every step, permitting us to keep up the lengthy distances for walks and hikes that we’re used to. In addition they provide a average quantity of help, designed for impartial arches, which strikes a good steadiness between consolation and stability.
To fight heel ache, you want insoles with superior shock absorption. These insoles have pads within the forefoot and the heel to unfold out the affect that comes with trekking over arduous, rocky floor. We seen the consequences not solely in our heels, but additionally in our ft, knees, and decrease again. We additionally admire that, in contrast to another stiff, inflexible insoles, these are versatile and straightforward to trim and form.
Potential Flaws
- The light-weight foam cushioning makes these insoles really feel wonderful underneath our heels, however they’re thick and could also be tough to slot in some kinds of sneakers.
Most Precious Perception
“These total made my decrease physique really feel nice and positively supplied help for my decrease again throughout longer walks and runs.” —Mollie P., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/easyfeet-plantar-fasciitis-arch-support-insoles-cebe4c2e18644555887a5ce531675a4f.jpg)
Key Specs
Sizes: Ladies’s 5.5-15.5, Males’s 4.5-14.5 | Supplies: Foam, gel | Arch Sort: Excessive | Anti-Odor: No | Our General Ranking: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers with excessive arches who want stable arch help and cushioning for lengthy hikes.
Why We Love Them
Insoles aren’t only for flat ft—if in case you have excessive arches, extra help could be helpful. EasyFeet’s Plantar Fasciitis Arch Assist Insoles are our favourite for climbing, because of their two kinds of cushioning that hold you mild in your ft as the paths stretch on. Most insoles on our record use foam or gel for padding. However these insoles have each, with a moisture-wicking prime layer and a rubber backside layer for sturdiness. We love how this distinctive development helps relieve decrease again ache and numbness in our toes.
Just like a few of our different prime picks, these insoles even have a deep heel cup with a shock-absorbing pad that helps hold you steady and comfy as you deal with steep hills. We beloved how amazingly supported and cradled we felt in these insoles. Even higher, the model will take your insoles again even after you’ve got trimmed them to suit your sneakers, which we actually admire.
Potential Flaws
- These insoles aren’t as breathable as others we have examined, even with the moisture-wicking prime layer.
Most Precious Perception
“I’d pay extra for these insoles if wanted as a result of you’ll be able to’t put a worth on this type of arch help and heel cushioning. They’ve helped me with strolling objectives I’ve for myself as a result of I can go for longer durations of time now.” —Jenni M., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SOLE-Active-Thick-Shoe-Insoles-8e4eedb94dde42308cc4cffd01e7cdee.jpg)
-
Could be heat-molded for a customized match
-
Deep, stabilizing heel cup
-
Made with recycled supplies
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 3-14, Ladies’s 5-16 | Supplies: Recycled foam | Arch Sort: All (low, impartial, excessive) | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers searching for reduction from plantar fasciitis-related ache.
Why We Love Them
SOLE’s Lively Thick Insoles are our suggestion if you happen to expertise plantar fasciitis-related ache often. The inflexible backside offers agency help, and we seen it made push-offs extra manageable for sore, achy ft, permitting for a pure gait. A deep heel cup helps stabilize your ft, and we like that it provides superior consolation and padding. Made with recycled foam, the insoles present good shock absorption and may face up to lengthy, robust hikes.
We admire that these insoles mildew to your ft over time or could be heat-molded for a personalized match. Moreover, they function a coating that stops the expansion of odor-causing micro organism, preserving your ft recent. We expect these are a good funding for individuals who need wonderful consolation and ache reduction from signs of plantar fasciitis.
Potential Flaws
- These insoles are pricier than different choices on our record, however we nonetheless suppose they’re price it for the stable arch help and wonderful high quality.
- We discovered the insoles a little bit too thick for a few of our sneakers. Nevertheless, they’re nice in climbing boots and roomier trainers.
Most Precious Perception
“The insole carried out effectively in relieving ache in my metatarsals and forefoot. Its agency, supportive base with minimal give helped cut back stress on my toes throughout push-offs, and I seen considerably much less toe and forefoot ache total.” —Jimmy V., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Superfeet-Trailblazer-Comfort-Hiking-Insoles-687d1f5efea441ed914f2024ad55a047.jpg)
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 2.4-13, Ladies’s 4.5-14 | Supplies: Carbon fiber, polyester | Arch Sort: Impartial, excessive | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers who need a carbon fiber insole that may deal with treks on tough, uneven, or hilly terrain.
Why We Love Them
Designed with hikers in thoughts, Superfeet’s Hike Assist Insoles are our prime choose for carbon fiber insoles. The form securely helps your ft in climbing boots, minimizing fatigue and eliminating sliding that may result in blisters and irritation. A deep, cushioned heel cup provides much more stability, stopping us from slipping on uneven or tough surfaces.
We admire that the froth cushioning and affect pad within the heel assist evenly distribute stress and shock, particularly when going downhill. Even higher, these climbing insoles have an anti-odor coating, so that you received’t have to fret about pungent ft after an extended day of climbing. And two layers of springy foam assist cut back fatigue and supply a little bit of rebound help. These insoles are available a variety of sizes and could be trimmed for a extra exact match.
Potential Flaws
- We famous these insoles haven’t got as a lot arch help as another choices, in order that they will not be ideally suited for individuals who want vital help.
Most Precious Perception
“These insoles have very robust heel help, which is unquestionably necessary as you stroll downhill, particularly on a path.” —Al S., Verywell Match product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Oboz-O-FIT-Insole-Plus-II-9321f26f280d4482b0e26f1d4383e2dd.jpg)
Key Specs
Sizes: Males’s 7-14, Ladies’s 5.5-12.5 | Supplies: Plastic, foam | Arch Sort: Impartial | Anti-Odor: Sure | Our General Ranking: 5/5
Who They’re For
Finest for hikers who need added help and construction to attenuate ankle rolling and overpronation.
Why We Love Them
Overpronation does not simply have an effect on your ft; it will probably additionally affect your whole physique, inflicting discomfort within the ankles, legs, knees, and hips. We discovered Oboz’s O Match Plus II Insoles supported and cradled our ft to present mild alignment and relieve stress. They even relieved the discomfort and irritation we felt from our sneakers’ earlier insoles. These insoles function a cushioning pod within the forefoot that reduces fatigue and eliminates stress underneath our toes.
We like how these insoles match seamlessly into most of our sneakers and that the arch help is agency sufficient to keep up good alignment, but nonetheless mushy sufficient to be pleasantly comfy. The alignment and help additionally cut back stress in our legs, hips, and decrease again. Because of the deep heel cup, we seen a extra steady feeling and a discount in extreme motion.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout our take a look at, we seen that our ft felt barely hotter whereas carrying these insoles, indicating that they are not as breathable as different choices.
Most Precious Perception
“The heel cup successfully prevents extreme motion and offers a safe match, contributing to enhanced total consolation.” —Matt J., Verywell Match product tester
What to Search for When Purchasing for Insoles for Climbing
- Supplies: Insoles are sometimes constructed from sturdy supplies similar to cork, plastic, foam, gel, carbon fiber, or a mix of those. Since all of them have totally different ranges of help and cushioning, it’s necessary to grasp your wants. Gel insoles provide the least quantity of help, making them a sensible choice for individuals who prioritize consolation and shock absorption. Insoles constructed from cork and foam are firmer, extra supportive, and can mildew to your ft over time. Tougher supplies, similar to plastic, present essentially the most stability and are greatest for individuals who want insoles to assist with alignment points.
- Assist: The correct quantity of help, together with arch help, will allow you to hike lengthy distances whereas limiting ache and fatigue, which could be particularly useful if you happen to’re strolling with additional weight, similar to in rucking. Search for insoles that embody a heel cup and arch help, says podiatrist Nelya Lobkova, DPM. She additionally suggests searching for insoles which might be agency sufficient that they cannot be folded in half. In case you have collapsed or low arches, a supportive insole may also help evenly distribute stress all through your ft, decreasing pressure in your arches.
- Consolation: In case your insoles aren’t comfy, they will not do a lot good out on the paths. Search for a pair with thick cushioning, with extra layers in higher-impact areas like underneath the heel or the ball of the foot. That is particularly necessary when climbing up and down hills. If you happen to’re susceptible to plantar fasciitis or different heel ache, you might have considered trying an insole with additional cushioning within the rear foot for added safety.
- Sturdiness: Usually, insoles ought to final anyplace from six months to a 12 months, however their lifespan varies relying on the model and the way a lot you utilize them. Cleansing your insoles as soon as a month may also help delay their life—simply ensure that to comply with the producer’s care directions. If the insoles are now not offering help, really feel uncomfortable, or have stopped becoming correctly, then it is time to substitute them.
- Odor and Moisture Management: A protracted day of climbing can result in sweaty, pungent ft. Fortunately, many insoles function odor-reducing properties, similar to antimicrobial coatings or layers made with pure components like baking soda or charcoal. Moisture-wicking materials additionally helps hold ft dry, decreasing the danger of blisters.
Verywell Match
How We Examined the Insoles for Climbing
To search out the very best insoles for climbing, we examined 42 pairs at dwelling, carrying them on hikes, walks, and runs on varied terrains, together with trails, rocky floor, and pavement. When testing insoles for climbing, we consider every pair primarily based on the next key standards.
- Assist: To judge the help of every pair of insoles, we first put them in our sneakers and word if our ft really feel cradled and if the arch help is sufficient. We additionally word if the arch help aligns correctly and if the heel cup is deep sufficient to offer stability.
- Consolation: Whereas carrying the insoles, we word in the event that they make our sneakers kind of comfy. We ask ourselves issues like: Do the insoles rub anyplace or trigger irritation or sizzling spots? Is the cushioning sufficient and in the appropriate spots? Can we stroll longer distances than standard with the insoles?
- Ache Aid: If we expertise foot ache or situations, similar to bunions or plantar fasciitis, do the insoles relieve the ache or exacerbate it? Will we really feel ache or stress in our legs, knees, hips, or low again?
- Breathability: To evaluate breathability, we first word if the insoles have any sweat-wicking supplies or options. Then, we word if our ft really feel cooler or hotter than standard with the insoles. Once we take our sneakers off, we word if our ft are kind of sweaty.
- Worth: To find out the worth of every pair of insoles, we wait to test the value till after now we have assessed all different key classes. We contemplate whether or not the insoles are pretty priced primarily based on their efficiency. We contemplate whether or not we’d pay this worth for the insoles or look ahead to them to be on sale. Lastly, we contemplate whether or not we’d advocate the insoles to buddies or household.
Verywell Match
Our Consultants
We consulted consultants throughout every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting course of. Some, like podiatrist Diana Valencia, DPM, helped us develop efficient methods to check these merchandise. Others shared info on what makes insoles efficient for climbing, together with the qualities to keep away from and hunt down. We choose merchandise independently, however we use skilled enter to tell our selections.
- Diana Valencia, DPM, podiatrist in New York, New York
- William Spielfogel, DPM, podiatrist and specialist for The Good Ft Retailer
- Gretchen A. Lawrence, DPM, podiatrist in Shelby, North Carolina
- Nelya Lobkova, DPM, podiatrist in New York, New York
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Do insoles assist with climbing?
Climbing could be a strenuous exercise in your ft, so correct foot help is crucial, says Spielfogel. Whereas not all hikers want additional stability and cushioning of their boots and sneakers, in some instances, insoles may also help cut back ache and decrease foot and leg fatigue. Older folks may have additional cushioning as a result of their foot’s fats pad has naturally flattened over time. Alternatively, hikers with flat ft may have a supportive insole that helps right biomechanical points, similar to overpronation.
What are the very best insoles for climbing boots?
One of the best insoles for climbing boots are crafted from sturdy, high-quality supplies, providing wonderful help, cushioning, and stability. Odor safety and moisture-wicking capabilities are additionally necessary elements to contemplate, particularly if you happen to sometimes spend hours on the paths. Lobkova recommends Superfeet and PowerStep model insoles.
Are gel insoles good for climbing?
Your alternative of insole actually will depend on why you want it. Whereas gel insoles do present cushioning, foam will present cushioning and help, says Spielfogel. If you happen to’d like so as to add a extra plush really feel to your climbing boots, gel insoles could also be a sensible choice. Nevertheless, those that need extra help and stability are higher off with stiffer supplies like high-density foam, plastic, carbon fiber, or cork.
How ought to insoles match?
Insoles ought to match snugly in your shoe to forestall slipping and blisters, says Lawrence. Make sure the shoe has adequate depth to accommodate the insert and defend any foot situations you’ll have, similar to bunions or hammertoes.
Why Belief Verywell Match
An authorized private coach, working coach, fitness center fanatic, and Verywell Match author, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends numerous hours researching and testing the newest train gear and devices. She solely recommends merchandise that she will be able to genuinely stand behind and believes can be a great funding for her readers.
Extra reporting contributed by Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP
Jennifer Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified train physiologist and Verywell Match well being and health author. She has been within the health business for over 25 years and has used and examined a variety of health tools, equipment, sneakers, and activewear. She experiences occasional ankle ache and mildly overpronates, so she is aware of what to search for when choosing the right insoles for climbing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-insoles-test-spenco-polysorb-cross-trainer-jthompson-1093-1b97013829ab43b593ab5e42d110f5f4.jpeg&description=The+8+Finest+Insoles+for+Climbing+of+2025%2C+Examined){kind=link}